Catalytic motor vehicle radiator

ABSTRACT

A catalytic motor vehicle radiator for cooling a coolant flowing through it has a catalytically acting surface for converting a pollutant into an environmentally compatible material, a temperature sensor for sensing a coolant temperature, and an attachment point for attaching the temperature sensor. The temperature sensor has an attachment for attaching the temperature sensor to the attachment point of the catalytic motor vehicle radiator, and includes an electrical identification unit for identifying the catalytic motor vehicle radiator. The attachment interacts with an attachment point of the catalytic motor vehicle radiator in such a way that, if the temperature sensor is removed from the catalytic motor vehicle radiator, the temperature sensor is destroyed.

This application claims the priority of German application 103 40 086.9, filed Aug. 30, 2003, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present application relates to a catalytic motor vehicle radiator having a catalytically acting surface for converting a pollutant into a material which is more environmentally compatible and including a temperature sensor for sensing a coolant temperature and an attachment point for attaching the temperature sensor.

A customary method for conducting heat away from a motor vehicle engine is to transport the heat away by means of a coolant which flows through the motor vehicle engine. The coolant which is heated by the motor vehicle engine flows through a motor vehicle radiator which absorbs some of the heat of the coolant and outputs it to the surrounding air. The cooled coolant flows out of the motor vehicle radiator and back into the engine.

European publication EP 1 153 646 A1 discloses using the waste heat which is output by the radiator to convert environmentally damaging substances or pollutants into environmentally more compatible materials. For this purpose the surface of the motor vehicle radiator is coated with a catalytically acting material. A temperature sensor is provided on the radiator for sensing a coolant temperature or a radiator temperature.

An object of the invention is to permit tamper-proof recognition of a catalytic motor vehicle radiator.

This object is achieved by means of a catalytic motor vehicle radiator in which the temperature sensor has an attachment means for attaching the temperature sensor to the attachment point of the catalytic motor vehicle radiator, in which the temperature sensor comprises an electrical identification unit for identifying the catalytic motor vehicle radiator, and in which the attachment means of the temperature sensor interacts with the attachment point on the catalytic motor vehicle radiator in such a way that the temperature sensor is destroyed if the temperature sensor is removed from the catalytic motor vehicle radiator. The catalytic motor vehicle radiator comprises a catalytically acting surface for converting a pollutant into an environmentally more compatible material. A vehicle which is equipped with such a catalytic motor vehicle radiator has an improved overall pollutant balance in comparison with a vehicle which is equipped with a conventional motor vehicle radiator. As a result, for example it is possible to give tax advantages to a vehicle which is equipped with a catalytic motor vehicle radiator. In order to identify a catalytic motor vehicle radiator, or a motor vehicle which is equipped with such a motor vehicle radiator, easily and unambiguously, the temperature sensor which is mounted in or on the motor vehicle radiator comprises an identification unit. An attachment means of the temperature sensor interacts with the attachment point to the catalytic motor vehicle radiator in such a way that, if the temperature sensor is removed from the catalytic motor vehicle radiator, the temperature sensor is destroyed. This permits reliable and tamper-proof identification of a catalytic motor vehicle radiator.

In one refinement of the catalytic motor vehicle radiator, an attachment point on the motor vehicle radiator and a temperature sensor which is to be attached to this attachment point have attachment means which interact in such a way that, if the temperature sensor is removed from the catalytic motor vehicle radiator, the sensor housing breaks and the electronics of the temperature sensor become functionally incapable.

In other refinements of the catalytic motor vehicle radiator, the attachment means are configured in such a way that, if the temperature sensor is removed from the motor vehicle radiator, a conductor track in the temperature sensor is disconnected or the attachment means on the temperature sensor is damaged beyond repair.

In one development of the catalytic motor vehicle radiator, the temperature sensor has a predetermined break point. This has the advantage that the way in which the temperature sensor or the electronics of the temperature sensor are destroyed can be predetermined very precisely. In this way, tampering with the catalytic motor vehicle radiator can be prevented in a particularly reliable way.

In another development of the invention, the temperature sensor has, as attachment means which cannot be released, a snap-action connection, a clip connection or a barb, which, when the sensor is attached to the attachment point, hook in in such a way that it cannot be released without destruction. The snap-action connection, clip connection or hook connection comprises, for example, a spring element which is snapped in in a predefinable attachment position or hooks into a corresponding element. Alternatively or additionally, the attachment point of the catalytic motor vehicle radiator has a spring element which interacts with the temperature sensor, for example with the spring element of the attachment means of the temperature sensor, in such a way that it cannot be released without destruction.

In one development of the catalytic motor vehicle radiator, the temperature sensor has an attachment means which is divided in two. The first part of the attachment means is permanently connected to the temperature sensor. When the temperature sensor is mounted on the anticipated attachment point between the first part of the attachment means and the second part of the attachment means, the attachment means brings about a connection which cannot be released without destruction.

In one refinement of this development, the second part of the attachment means comprises an electrical component which is necessary for the functioning of the temperature sensor. As a result, the temperature sensor is not functionally capable until the anticipated interaction of the first part of the attachment means with the second part of the attachment means.

A process of providing tamper-proof recognition of a catalytic motor vehicle radiator is also claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Advantageous embodiments of the catalytic motor vehicle radiator are illustrated in the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows part of a catalytic motor vehicle radiator comprising a temperature sensor and in which both an attachment means and an attachment point have spring elements which interact in a nonreleasable fashion in the form of barbs,

FIG. 2 shows part of a catalytic motor vehicle radiator, comprising a temperature sensor with a two-component attachment means which cannot be released and which has a spring element, and

FIG. 3 shows part of a catalytic motor vehicle radiator, comprising a temperature sensor, having an attachment means which is divided in two, the temperature sensor being operationally incapable until after the two parts of the nonreleasable attachment means which is divided in two are joined.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows part of a catalytic motor vehicle radiator (1). The latter comprises coolant tubes (2) and cooling ribs (3). The coolant which flows through the coolant tubes (2) can output heat to the surroundings via the cooling ribs (3). In addition, the radiator (1) comprises an attachment point (4) for a temperature sensor (5). The attachment point (4) may be formed, for example, by a recess, a passage, a guide sleeve, a tube or the like and may have different cross sections, for example circular, oval, triangular or square. For example, a tube which is open on one side is soldered, clamped or wedged into the motor vehicle radiator, between two coolant tubes (2) as an attachment point (4) for the temperature sensor (5). The temperature sensor (5) can be attached to the attachment means (6) at the attachment point (4). For this purpose, for example the attachment means (6) and the attachment point (4) have barbs. The temperature sensor also has a predetermined break point (7). If an attempt is made to remove a temperature sensor (5) which is attached to the attachment point (4) by the attachment means (6), the temperature sensor (5) breaks at the predetermined break point. In the process, the temperature sensor (5) is destroyed and the electronics located in the temperature sensor (5) are damaged in such a way that the temperature sensor (5) becomes functionally incapable. It is no longer possible to identify the motor vehicle radiator (1) as a catalytic motor vehicle radiator by means of the identification unit (not illustrated) which is located in the temperature sensor (5).

FIG. 2 shows a detail of a radiator according to the invention with coolant tubes (2), coolant ribs (3) and a temperature sensor (5). The temperature sensor (5) which is divided in two comprises an attachment means which is divided in two and has a first attachment part (6 a) and a second attachment part (6 b). In the second attachment part (6 b), a spring element (8) is arranged by way of example. If the temperature sensor (5) is mounted on the anticipated attachment point (4) and, in order to attach the sensor element (5), the second attachment part (6 b) of the attachment means is applied to the first attachment part (6 a) of the attachment means, a nonreleasable connection is brought about between the two attachment parts of the attachment means. If an attempt is made to release the temperature sensor (5) from the catalytic motor vehicle radiator, the temperature sensor (5) is in turn destroyed. This can be brought about by arranging an electrical component (9), for example a ring line or part of the sensor electronics, in the first part (6 a) of the attachment means. If an attempt is made to tamper with the catalytic motor vehicle radiator or the temperature sensor (5), this electrical component (9) is destroyed and the temperature sensor (5) is no longer functionally capable.

FIG. 3 also shows part of a catalytic motor vehicle radiator (1), comprising a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor (5) is divided in two, the second part (6 b) of the attachment means (6) of the temperature sensor (5) comprising an electrical component, for example a ring line or part of the sensor electronics. The electrical component (9) in the second part (6 b) of the attachment means (6) is essential for the functioning of the temperature sensor (5), i.e. the temperature sensor (5) is not functionally capable until the second part (6 b) of the attachment means has been joined to the first part (6 a) of the attachment means (6) in a predefined fashion. For this purpose, electrical contact points (10) are provided on the two parts (6 a, 6 b) of the attachment means and, after the two attachment parts (6 a, 6 b) of the attachment means have been joined, they interact in such a way that an electrical component in the first attachment part (6 a) is electrically connected to an electrical component in the second attachment part (6 b), as a result of which the temperature sensor (5) becomes functionally capable. The two attachment parts (6 a, 6 b) of the attachment means (6) are again embodied in such a way that they can no longer be separated after they have been joined, or that when an attempt is made to separate the two parts of the attachment means (6 a, 6 b) the temperature sensor (5) is destroyed.

The foregoing disclosure has been set forth merely to illustrate the invention and is not intended to be limiting. Since modifications of the disclosed embodiments incorporating the spirit and substance of the invention may occur to persons skilled in the art, the invention should be construed to include everything within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereof. 

1. A catalytic motor vehicle radiator for cooling a coolant which flows through the motor vehicle radiator, comprising: a catalytically acting surface for converting a pollutant into a material which is more environmentally compatible, a temperature sensor for sensing a coolant temperature, and an attachment point for attaching the temperature sensor, wherein the temperature sensor has an attachment means for attaching the temperature sensor to the attachment point of the catalytic motor vehicle radiator, wherein the temperature sensor comprises an electrical identification unit for identifying the catalytic motor vehicle radiator, and wherein the attachment means of the temperature sensor interacts with the attachment point on the catalytic motor vehicle radiator in such a way that the temperature sensor is destroyed if the temperature sensor is removed from the catalytic motor vehicle radiator.
 2. The catalytic motor vehicle radiator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the attachment means of the temperature sensor interacts with the attachment point in such a way that, if the temperature sensor is removed from the catalytic motor vehicle radiator, a sensing housing breaks and electronics of the temperature sensor become functionally incapable.
 3. The catalytic motor vehicle radiator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the attachment means of the temperature sensor interacts with the attachment point in such a way that a conductor track in the temperature sensor is disconnected if the temperature sensor is removed from the catalytic motor vehicle radiator.
 4. The catalytic motor vehicle radiator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the attachment means of the temperature sensor interacts with the attachment point in such a way that, if the temperature sensor is removed from the catalytic motor vehicle radiator, the attachment means is damaged beyond repair.
 5. The catalytic motor vehicle radiator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the temperature sensor has a predetermined break point.
 6. The catalytic motor vehicle radiator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the temperature sensor has, as the attachment means, a spring element which, when the temperature sensor is attached, hooks onto the attachment point so that the temperature sensor is connected to the motor vehicle radiator in such a way that it cannot be released without destruction.
 7. The catalytic motor vehicle radiator as claimed in claim 6, wherein the attachment point also has a spring element which interacts with the spring element provided as the attachment means of the temperature sensor in such a way that the temperature sensor is hooked onto the attachment point so that it cannot be released without destruction.
 8. The catalytic motor vehicle radiator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the attachment point has a spring element which, when the temperature sensor is attached to the attachment point, hooks onto the temperature sensor in such a way that the temperature sensor cannot be released without destruction.
 9. The catalytic motor vehicle radiator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the attachment means includes a first attachment part and a second attachment part, the first attachment part being permanently connected to the temperature sensor, and when the temperature sensor is mounted in an anticipated fashion on the attachment point which is provided between the first attachment part and the second attachment part, a connection is brought about which cannot be released without destruction.
 10. The catalytic motor vehicle radiator as claimed in claim 9, wherein the second attachment part comprises an electrical component which is necessary for functioning of the temperature sensor, and the temperature sensor is not functionally capable until an anticipated interaction of the first attachment part with the second attachment part.
 11. The catalytic motor vehicle radiator as claimed in claim 2, wherein the attachment means of the temperature sensor interacts with the attachment point in such a way that a conductor track in the temperature sensor is disconnected if the temperature sensor is removed from the catalytic motor vehicle radiator.
 12. The catalytic motor vehicle radiator as claimed in claim 2, wherein the attachment means of the temperature sensor interacts with the attachment point in such a way that, if the temperature sensor is removed from the catalytic motor vehicle radiator, the attachment means is damaged beyond repair.
 13. The catalytic motor vehicle radiator as claimed in claim 3, wherein the attachment means of the temperature sensor interacts with the attachment point in such a way that, if the temperature sensor is removed from the catalytic motor vehicle radiator, the attachment means is damaged beyond repair.
 14. The catalytic motor vehicle radiator as claimed in claim 2, wherein the temperature sensor has a predetermined break point.
 15. The catalytic motor vehicle radiator as claimed in claim 3, wherein the temperature sensor has a predetermined break point.
 16. The catalytic motor vehicle radiator as claimed in claim 4, wherein the temperature sensor has a predetermined break point.
 17. The catalytic motor vehicle radiator as claimed in claim 2, wherein the temperature sensor has, as the attachment means, a spring element which, when the temperature sensor is attached, hooks onto the attachment point so that the temperature sensor is connected to the motor vehicle radiator in such a way that it cannot be released without destruction.
 18. The catalytic motor vehicle radiator as claimed in claim 17, wherein the attachment point also has a spring element which interacts with the spring element provided as the attachment means of the temperature sensor in such a way that the temperature sensor is hooked onto the attachment point so that it cannot be released without destruction.
 19. The catalytic motor vehicle radiator as claimed in claim 2, wherein the attachment point has a spring element which, when the temperature sensor is attached to the attachment point, hooks onto the temperature sensor in such a way that the temperature sensor cannot be released without destruction.
 20. The catalytic motor vehicle radiator as claimed in claim 2, wherein the attachment means includes a first attachment part and a second attachment part, the first attachment part being permanently connected to the temperature sensor, and when the temperature sensor is mounted in an anticipated fashion on the attachment point which is provided between the first attachment part and the second attachment part, a connection is brought about which cannot be released without destruction.
 21. The catalytic motor vehicle radiator as claimed in claim 20, wherein the second attachment part comprises an electrical component which is necessary for functioning of the temperature sensor, and the temperature sensor is not functionally capable until an anticipated interaction of the first attachment part with the second attachment part.
 22. A process of providing tamper-proof recognition of a catalytic motor vehicle radiator for cooling a coolant which flows through the motor vehicle radiator, the radiator including a catalytically acting surface for converting a pollutant into a material which is more environmentally compatible, a temperature sensor for sensing a coolant temperature, and an attachment point for attaching the temperature sensor, the process comprising: attaching the temperature sensor to the attachment point of the catalytic motor vehicle radiator, identifying the catalytic motor vehicle radiator, and destroying the temperature sensor if the temperature sensor is removed from the catalytic motor vehicle radiator. 